David Kirk new Kathmandu chairman

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David Kirk has been appointed chairman of Kathmandu Holdings after joining the board just three months ago.

The high-profile businessman will replace John Harvey, the clothing retailer's acting chairman since last March.

"I have been impressed by the results achieved by the company since it listed in 2009, and in particular the significant progress it has made in growing its online sales through Kathmandu's own platform and global marketplace websites," Kirk said.

Kirk, a former All Blacks captain and ex-Fairfax Media chief executive, said he was taking up the role as Kathmandu boosted its Australasian business and looked to build a global presence in the outdoor travel and adventure market.

When Harvey announced Kirk's appointment as a director at Kathmandu's annual meeting in late November, he told shareholders Kirk would be appointed chairman in early 2014.

Kirk is chairman of Trade Me Group and Hoyts Group. He lives in Sydney and has taken Australian citizenship.

At its 2013 annual meeting, Kathmandu said its online sales had risen 55 per cent compared with the previous year, and represented about 4 per cent of sales.